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My husband and I have been sick for a week. Both of us have stomach cramping, a lot of gas, a lot of nausea, lightheadedness, weakness, fatigue, periods of feeling like we're burning up with fever - but there is none.....feelings of being spaced out and exhausted, dull headache, heartburn, and achiness.....no vomitting, no diahhrea.....Does this sound like a stomach virus of some kind? How long do they usually last?

The fact that both of you have a similar syndrome would vote for this being either a case of poisoning or infection. If poisoning it sounds rather acute, in other words a food poisoning or someone slipped you a large dose of something. Do you have enemies? Have you both eaten at a particular restaurant just before the onset? If this is an infection it could be viral or bacterial. Only a culture for bacteria would confirm that diagnosis - sputum perhaps or gastric contents (this would mean an a NG tube aspiration of your stomach contents). By the time you would be able to get a diagnosis of viral, it will probably be over as most viruses are of short duration. The following are signs of viral gastritis: dehydration, lethargy, decreased urination and inadequate drinking of fluids, high fever, continuous vomiting - bright green or yellow, diffficulty holding down clear liquids, bloody stool, and diarrhea. This can go on for a week or more in a child but adults ordinarily recover in 1-2 days. It is very important to remain hydrated and if you cannot hold down fluids, time to seek medical help.